The Defense Base Act of 1941 gives benefit compensation to civilian workers who are injured on United States military bases. The coverage is for disability and death, and it can apply to the injured worker’s dependents as well. The DBA covers public works contracts with the US government. These contracts can include non-military construction projects such as dams, schools, harbors, and roads in other countries. Almost any contract with an agency of the US government for work outside the US must include DBA coverage.

The DBA generally provides the injured worker benefits listed under the Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA). Some of the LHWCA benefits include medical for a work related injury, for disability compensation, and for rehabilitation training.